Khalid Gani has filed a lawsuit against Juggernaut Tattoo LLC, alleging a series of discriminatory practices that culminated in his wrongful termination. The complaint was lodged on January 31, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Gani accuses his former employer of race-based discrimination, harassment based on national origin and religion, and retaliation, all under the protections afforded by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Gani's case is built upon several distressing allegations that paint a picture of a hostile work environment fostered by Juggernaut Tattoo LLC. Employed as a tattoo artist from January to November 2024, Gani claims he faced derogatory comments about his Muslim faith from Leon Congeni, one of the company's owners. These comments included mocking inquiries about Muslim prayer practices and persisted despite Gani's objections. The lawsuit further details instances where Gani was subjected to differential treatment compared to his Caucasian colleagues, particularly by his manager Jeremy, who allegedly scrutinized Gani's cash handling more than others and made disparaging remarks about Spanish-speaking employees.
The situation reportedly escalated when another owner, Tina Congeni, made inappropriate suggestions regarding Gani's girlfriend and fellow employee to flirt with customers for business gains. This environment reached its peak when Gani was terminated without just cause in November 2024. He contends that this decision was influenced by racial bias as he was falsely accused of theft during his exit process—a treatment not extended to other non-Middle Eastern employees facing termination.
In response to these grievances, Gani seeks redress through multiple legal channels: compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress; punitive damages for willful misconduct; attorney fees; and any other relief deemed appropriate by the court. His legal representation argues that Juggernaut Tattoo LLC’s actions violated both Section 1981 concerning race discrimination and Title VII provisions related to race, national origin, religious discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
Representing Khalid Gani is Chad W. Eisenback from Sulaiman Law Group Ltd., while the case awaits adjudication under Case No. 1:25-cv-01084 in front of judges yet unnamed.